Post submitted by Hayley Miller, former HRC Associate Director of Digital and Social

HRC mourns the tragic loss of Chyna Gibson, a Black transgender woman who was shot and killed in New Orleans this weekend. 

Gibson, who went by the stage name Chyna Doll Dupree, was a much-loved performer in the ballroom community and 31 years old at the time of her death.

There has been an outpouring of love, remembrance, and support on Gibson's Facebook page, commemorating her life and mourning her loss.

“RIP Chyna Doll Dupree. You were such an inspiration to myself and many of my closest friends. You will forever be missed. Fly on angel, fly on!,” one friend commented, according to Pink News. 

According to The Times-Picayune, Gibson’s body was found in a shopping center parking lot between two parked cars on Saturday night. Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots.

In 2016, advocates tracked at least 22 deaths of transgender people in the U.S. due to fatal violence, the most ever recorded. At least four other transgender people have been killed this year – all women of color.

HRC extends condolences to Gibson's family, friends and community.

Update 11/06/2017: Post was updated to reflect Chyna's preferred last name, Gibson.